Drivers burn rubber at Cedar Point's Wheels of Thunder V

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Aug. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The home of the some of the world's fastest roller coasters will welcome one of the country's best-loved speed demons, Dale Earnhardt Jr., next week for Wheels of Thunder V!

The third-generation NASCAR racer will make a public appearance at Cedar Point and even challenge some lucky guests to a showdown at the Grand Prix Go-Carts. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, guests can stop by the Luminosity stage area to submit a question for Junior to answer. If he picks the guest's question to answer, that lucky fan will get to race him later in the day at the Grand Prix Go-Cart track!

Guests who visit the park during Wheels of Thunder will also have a chance to mingle with local icons from Sandusky's own ThorSport Racing.

The week of action-packed activities includes:

• A public meet-and-greet and autograph session with ThorSport drivers from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, along the Top Thrill Dragster midway, where guests can also catch a glimpse of the drivers being launched on the 120-mph coaster
• A public question-and-answer session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. from 5:10-5:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 in Celebration Plaza
• A race between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and lucky fans from 5:40-6 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Grand Prix Go-Carts
• Flights on the Goodyear Blimp for the five highest bidders in a fundraiser for the Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross

Also during Wheels of Thunder from Aug. 14-16, guests can refuel with ice cold Pepsi beverages throughout the day by purchasing a special Pepsi Refresh ticket that includes admission to the park and a wristband for free, unlimited Pepsi beverages for only $46.99! The ticket, available only online, saves $5 on adult daily admission and can be purchased by entering the Promo Code diet dew online at www.cedarpoint.com.

Cedar Point will be open daily through Labor Day, Sept. 3, plus Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 7 through Oct. 28. For a complete operating calendar and more information about the 2012 operating season, guests can log on to www.cedarpoint.com or call the park's general information line at [phone].

• Regional media contact: Annie Zelm, marketing programs representative
  Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
• National media contact: Bryan Edwards, marketing programs manager
  Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE Cedar Point